“What a mess.”
This is a common reaction for New Yorkers walking outside in the fall, winter and early spring. Roads, sidewalks and parking lots typically become hazardous due to a healthy layer of ice and/or snow. Walking from place to place or even simply exiting a store can become a dangerous activity. If you fell and injured yourself on an ice- or snow-covered sidewalk, we encourage you to call our firm to learn more about your legal options.
At Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing injured clients in Queens and communities throughout New York. We understand what it takes to win a case — whether through negotiation or courtroom litigation. In fact, we prepare for every case as if it would be resolved in court, and our attention to detail serves us well.
FALLS IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS
Depending on where you were and what establishment you were exiting, the responsibility of cleaning the sidewalk can fall on different parties. That is for us to worry about, however, not you. If you fell and suffered an injury such as a broken bone, concussion and nausea after falling, torn ligament, ruptured tendons or other soft-tissue injuries, it is wise to seek the counsel of a skilled attorney. Premises liability (or slip-and-fall injuries) can become complex due to numerous factors. Our diverse experience and depth of legal knowledge will be a direct benefit to you.
Once you meet with us, we can begin investigating your accident. Have there been other accidents in the same area? Is there a security camera? Were there witnesses to your fall? We will thoroughly examine all aspects of your situation to develop a strong, effective case.
In all personal injury cases, we provide a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Call or email our firm to discuss your accident in greater detail with one of our premises liability attorneys.
Ice and Snow Slip and Fall Settlement Examples in New York City
How much compensation you get for a snow and ice slip and fall settlement in New York varies based on the unique circumstances of each situation and the severity of your injuries. Based on our own settlement data on this page, the average snow and ice slip and fall settlement is between $375,000 and $1,050,000.
$1,050,000 / Police Officer Slip and Fall At Work Settlement
Our client, a New York City police officer, fell while descending the steps of the Queens North Task Force Building in Flushing, Queens, suffering fractures to his right hand. This required two surgeries and ended his career.
We filed a lawsuit against the City of New York and a scaffolding company responsible for the building’s exterior. Before the accident, the scaffolding company had constructed a “sidewalk shed” over the steps. We argued that the steps were in disrepair, with gaps and depressions, and became more hazardous due to ice and water dripping from the shed.
Experts confirmed that ice from the scaffolding contributed to the dangerous conditions on the steps. The City claimed our client was familiar with the steps, and the scaffolding company denied responsibility. However, we prevailed in settling the case for $1.05 million, with the City paying $1 million and the scaffolding company $50,000.
$1,000,000/New York Premises Liability/Slip & Fall On Ice in 2024 Settlement
Our client slipped and fell due to ice on a sidewalk. It is very difficult to prove liability in snow & ice cases in New York, so we investigated the adjacent building’s water systems and found that they were illegally funneling water from the roof to the sidewalk. This client had a prior fusion surgery to her back, and this fall required a second fusion surgery. The insurance company argued that this was a pre-existing injury, but we fought vigorously for our client’s rights and got the insurance company to tender their full policy limits of $1 Million Dollars shortly after depositions were completed.
$375,000 / Slip and Fall at Bulova Building Settlement
On a February morning, our client slipped on the icy pavement of the Bulova Building’s parking lot in Jackson Heights, Queens, suffering a left femoral neck fracture that required hip surgery. We filed a lawsuit against the property owner and the snow removal contractor.
At the time of the accident, a snowstorm was ongoing, and New York courts often limit liability under such conditions. Despite this, we pressed on with a detailed investigation, enlisting a forensic meteorologist and engineer.
The engineer found a depression in the pavement where snow and ice accumulated, causing our client to slip. Our meteorologist confirmed that ice formed before and during the accident due to freezing temperatures.
Both defendants sought to dismiss the case, arguing the depression was trivial and they lacked time to remedy the condition during the snowstorm. The court denied their motion, and the case settled for $375,000 before trial. Our client, initially told he had no case, was pleased with the outcome.